Video+Conference,+2-way

Defined**:** VTC systems are two-way communication systems that offer both audio and video from local and remote sites and provide for synchronous interaction between the instructor and remote students at multiple locations. It allows for the instructor to observe the students at the far end (remote location), allowing the student to demonstrate an event. These systems can be terrestrial, satellite-based, or microwave- based Instructional TV Fixed Service (ITFS). Generally VTCs transmit and receive between 384Kbps – 1.5Mbps, with the newer generation coders/decoders (codecs) IP enabled.

Polycom and their Certified Service Partners provide three tiers of support service, allowing you to choose the services appropriate for your video collaboration solution and budget. 
 * 1) Skype is a two-way communication service that offers synchronous audio and visual capabilities between instructor and students at multiple locations. ([|www.skype.com]) (Vincent Venzon, 9/7/09)
 * 2) **Hawaii DOE-Videoconference** is available to anyone who works for the HI DOE. It is managed by the Teleschool Branch of the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Student Support (OCISS) and the Network Support Services Branch (NSSB) of the Office of Information Technology Services (OITS). Videoconferencing facilities are located at almost every public school. (http://hawaiidoe-videoconference.pbworks.com /)(Renee Adams, 9/8/09)
 * 3) Voicewhisper is a HD video software designed for instant 1 on 1 online video conferencing. This company also offers business video conferencing as well. http://www.videowhisper.com/?p=2+Way+Video+Chat (Nikki Kinoshita 9-8-09)
 * 4) Although known for use as a "free" telephone service over the Internet, Skype can also be used and has been used as a video conferencing site enabling multiple users to hear and see each other as they communicate. Participants can observe each other or not, as they choose and demonstrations can potentially be viewed through this medium. http://www.skype.com/welcomeback/ (Carol Ball. 9-8-09)
 * 5) Yahoo offers people the chance to use web cams live during conversations just by using their Yahoo Messenger account. http://messenger.yahoo.com/features/webcam/ (Tia Mayberry, 09-08-09)
 * 6) TWICE is a collaborative videoconference project that provides teachers and students an opportunity to learn with another school or classroom. Video conferencing projects can be planned by educational service agencies, or planned by teachers and tech coordinators. ([|www.twice.cc] ) (Juli Umetsu, 9/08/09)
 * 7) Windows Live Messenger allows people to meet online with video, text, and voice chat. Students and teachers could login in any location to Window Live Messenger. The website is [|http://people.live.com]. (Stacie Fernandez 9-8-09)
 * 8) Google Talk is a text messaging or voice chatting program that is similar to instant messenger. It requires Windows XP or Vista but there is also a gmail video chat that works with both Windows and Mac operating systems. ([]) (Polly quigley, 9-10-09)
 * 9) ooVoo is a free video and audio chat service, payment is required for premium services only. Free services include sending video to friend and email addresses, video effects for video calls, video call with those who don't have ooVoo accounts, and technical support is also included.[](Gail Arakaki 9/12/09)
 * 10) I found a link to a company that offers free video conferencing software that can provide for synchronous audio and video interaction for up to eight people. (Tim Stewart, 09-13-09).
 * 11) "Reinvent yourself with **Cisco Telepresence**". Cisco TelePresence is a web-conferencing tecnology platform that allows for synchronous, 2-way and multi-way aural and visual communication between clients. With the brand recognition in the field of telenetworking and computer infrastructure that is Cisco, TelePresence is a superior way to conference with others around the globe. The technology behind TelePresence is top notch, offering 720p and 1080p native resolution in video display, and high-end audio codecs with the lowest bitrate available for incredible quality without the lag. Check out Telepresence and other Cisco innovations at [|www.cisco.com]. (Adam Tanare Jr., 9-13-09).
 * 12) **opencu** is an open source video conferencing system which relies on the Xvid protocol for video and the Speex protocol for audio. These are open protocols which allow anyone to use them without encumbering patents. Speex is optimized for high compression of human voice. **opencu** uses a "conferencing room" based model, where you create a "room" and "meet" with one or more other users there. Everyone can (potentially) see everyone else. It claims to be the only open source multivideoconferencing (where more one two-way connection is created) software. It is at [] (Erik 9/13/2009)
 * 13) [|www.polycom.com]
 * Elite Support: **In addition to the support services offered with Premier and Premier Plus, Polycom Elite Support provides peace of mind to the managers of mission-critical conferencing environments through access to a dedicated team of collaboration experts who proactively maintain and monitor your system. Your Elite Service, Manager (ESM) provides information and advice, and acts as a single point of contact to initiate, manage, and report on all support activities. You will also be assigned an Elite Service, Engineer (ESE) who acts as your key technical resource. As an Elite customer, you will also have 24x7 telephone access to a technical expert already familiar with your conferencing environment.
 * Premier Plus Support: **Premier Plus Support augments your in-house conferencing experts with access to additional technical support, when necessary, next-business day part replacement to maximize system uptime and usage as well as on-site visits from an engineer when remote support isn't sufficient. Premier Plus Support offers access to eSupport—Polycom's extensive technical KnowledgeBase—allowing your team to quickly resolve issues and expand their expertise. You'll also receive investment protection through software updates and upgrades throughout the life of your support contract.
 * Premier Support: **When you have your own technical conferencing experts available to cover your conferencing usage, Premier Support can provide access to additional technical support when necessary and next-business-day part replacement to maximize system uptime and usage. Your team can expand their expertise with access to eSupport–Polycom's extensive KnowledgeBase. Premier Support also offers investment protection through software updates and upgrades throughout the life of your support contract. (U`ilani Corr-Yorkman 9/13/09)

14. This site is a simple blog regarding the iPhone’s ability to be used as a 2-way video conferencing system. (http://macdaddyworld.com/2007/08/12/two-way-video-conferencing-for-iphone/) There are several sites that refer to this application but the obvious potential for such a wide spread product has yet to scratch the business and education angles to this combination of hard and software. With aid of a mirror mounted systems the iPhone can sit on a desk or be held in the hand and used on the go. (Josh Owens, 9/13/09)

15. [] Sight Speed is a service of Logitech inc. which provides internet video chat and voice calling for friends and family, and video conferencing solutions for business. Sight speed offers the highest-quality; full motion 30 frames per second video with clear audio. The program allows for Multi-Party video conferencing of up to 9 locations at one time. (JoAnn Fifield, 9/13/09)

16. **UH Hilo North Hawaii‘i Education and Research Center Polycom Room** For North Hawaii‘i residents, the North Hawaii‘i Education and Research Center (NHERC) is an UHH outreach center that has polycom capabilities which allow students to attend real time UH system courses through video-conferencing in Honokaa‘a. This technology is also available for use other than UHH classes.
 * []

(Nicole Collier, September 13, 2009)